Beryl Achieng Odinga was a quietly influential member of one of Kenya’s most prominent political families. Despite keeping a relatively private profile compared with some of her siblings, her life story spans professional achievement, service in public administration, and devotion to family. This biography traces her early life, career highlights, family, and the legacy she leaves behind.
Profile Data
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Beryl Achieng Odinga |
| Born | (date of birth not publicly disclosed) |
| Age at death | 78 years |
| Death | 25 November 2025, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Birthplace | (not publicly documented) |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Occupation | Teacher, Lawyer, Urban Planner / Public Administrator |
| Parents | Jaramogi Oginga Odinga & Mary Ajuma Oginga |
| Siblings | Raila Odinga; Oburu Oginga; Akinyi Wenwa; among others. |
| Spouse | Otieno Ambala (also referred to as Oscar Oundo) — marriage ended. |
| Children | Ami Auma, Chizi, Taurai (Taure) |
| Notable Roles / Career Highlights | First Black Town Clerk of Mutare (Zimbabwe); Chairperson of Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company (appointed 2020) |
| Religion | Christian / faith-based background (family described her as “safe in the Lord’s arms”) |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed / no reliable public record |
Early life and family background
Beryl Achieng was born into the Odinga family — the daughter of the late Hon. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga. She was the youngest sibling in a large and politically active family that includes leaders like the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and Senator Oburu Oginga. Her upbringing in a household steeped in Kenya’s post-independence political life shaped a quiet commitment to public service.
Education and formative years
Reportedly trained initially as a teacher and later qualified in law, Beryl combined education and legal training in ways that enabled her to work across borders and in varied administrative roles. Her academic and professional preparation gave her the tools to serve in senior municipal and corporate roles during a career that took her beyond Kenya.
Career highlights — a life of service
Although she did not pursue electoral politics, Beryl Achieng built a reputation as a competent public servant and administrator. One of the most notable chapters of her professional life was her work in Zimbabwe, where she is reported to have made history as the first Black Town Clerk of Mutare, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city — a role that positioned her as a trailblazer in municipal administration and urban development in the post-independence era. Her work there and in other public and corporate roles earned her recognition as a reform-oriented and capable professional.
Back in Kenya, she remained involved quietly in public life, helping nurture the next generation and supporting family engagements without seeking the spotlight.
Personal life — marriage and children
Beryl Achieng Odinga was a devoted mother. Reports name her children as Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai. She balanced a family life with a demanding career, and those who knew her remember her as devoted to family and committed to service.
Final years and passing
Beryl Achieng passed away in Nairobi on November 25, 2025. Her death was announced by family members and covered widely by Kenyan media. She was reported to be 78 years old at the time of her passing. Her passing came amid a period of mourning within the Odinga family, and condolences poured in from political figures and ordinary citizens alike.
Public perception and legacy
Although she preferred privacy, Beryl’s life is often cited as one of quiet achievement rather than headline-seeking activism. Her time in municipal leadership in Zimbabwe, her professional breadth across teaching and law, and her role within a storied Kenyan family combine to form a legacy of service, competence and modesty. Many commentators and political leaders paid tribute to her life and dedication following news of her death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who was Beryl Achieng Odinga related to in Kenyan politics?
A: She was the daughter of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Mama Mary Ajuma Oginga and the younger sister to prominent Kenyan leaders including the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga and Senator Oburu Oginga.
Q: What was Beryl Achieng Odinga’s profession?
A: She trained as a teacher and later as a lawyer, and served in senior public administration roles — most notably as Town Clerk of Mutare in Zimbabwe.
Q: When did she die and what was her age?
A: Beryl Achieng Odinga died on November 25, 2025. Reports gave her age as 78.
Q: Who are her children?
A: Media reports name her children as Ami Auma, Chizi, and Taurai
Q: Did she hold elected office?
A: No. Beryl Achieng Odinga is known for administrative and professional public service rather than holding elected political office
Conclusion
Beryl Achieng Odinga’s life reminds us that not all influence is performed on the campaign trail. Her accomplishments in teaching, law and municipal administration — and her historic role in Mutare — reflect a career built on competence, professionalism and discretion. She lived a life of service to family and community, and her passing on November 25, 2025, was felt across Kenya and beyond. As tributes continue to appear, Beryl will be remembered as a steady and principled public servant whose impact was both local and international.